Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Irwin Allen Merchadise Update 10-19-7

By Ron Gross:

There is a new model kit company who has vowed to pick up where Polar Lights left off. Moebius Models (http://www.moebiusmodels.com), owned and operated by Frank Winspur, has acquired a license from Kevin Burns and "The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen" to produce genuine styrene plastic model kits of various Irwin Allen properties. Unlike many of the fine resin-cast and vacu-formed offerings from smaller companies that have limited distribution, these products will be available in selected retail stores, as well as via on-line ordering. Frank has also secured the services of Polar Lights master mind Dave Metzner, as well as the artistic services of both Chris White, and I'm proud to say, myself.

As I write this, I have just returned from the iHobby Expo in Chicago, a huge event where much of this information, including prototype displays, was released to the public for the first time. The first Irwin Allen-related product will be a 39-inch model kit of the Seaview, with beautiful box art supplied by Chris. This project has actually been known for a while, but the two new surprises I am now able to announce are both a 1/24th scale Space Pod and Chariot. I was proud to have been asked to supply the art work for the Space Pod, and I will post a link as soon as the Moebius web site is updated. Having seen these prototypes, I can report that they will have impeccable detail and accuracy, although a few final details are still being worked out. Availability is currently scheduled for early next year.

As for future projects, I can't officially comment, except to generally state that various other popular IA subjects are currently on the table. It was on October 16,1997 (if you can believe it) that I cut my original deal with Polar Lights to supply design information and box art for the original Jupiter-2 kit. And now, ten years later, it looks like we will have a chance to have the same kind of fun all over again. When there is something new to announce officially, however, you will likely see it here first.

This is the 6 1/2-foot, animatronic remote-controlled version of the B-9™ Environmental Control Robot from the classic Lost In Space® television series that ran from 1965 to 1968. Every detail of the original robot is faithfully reproduced from original archival molds, patterns and blueprints. It is made from fiberglass, acrylic, aluminum, and steel parts, including its rotating torso and radar head, flashing lights, animated ear sensors, and clawed arms. It can be operated using the included remote control, allowing you to move its torso left and right and activate the robots soil sampler (which comes out of its right tread housing and spins; the robot provides an audible environmental analysis thereafter). The robot has a 240-w att audio system, and speaks 511 pre-recorded phrases performed by Richard Tufeld, the original voice of the robot from the television series (including such familiar phrases as "Danger Will Robinson!") Pulling the robot's power pack causes it to utter "Aaghhhhhh..." just as it did in the TV series when being shut-down; plugging it back in prompts it to say "Who turned out the lights?" *For Personalized Service on this item call 1-800-227-3528 and our Product Specialists will gladly answer all questions and provide additional service information. Please note that special conditions and guarantee limitations apply. 78" H x 27" W. (275 lbs.)

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Jupiter-2 Gantry Kit

*** BRAND NEW - JUST RELEASED *** Custom model kit scaled for the Polar Lights Lost in Space Jupiter-2 model kit (POLAR LIGHTS JUPITER-2 MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED!). 12" diameter kit, machine acrylic supports and center deck, other parts are mostly strip styrene or ABS plastic, and you have to trim them to fit. Detailed instructions are included. Average to above average model skills required to build this kit. Suggest using Ambrose Pro-Weld adhesive, as the kit is made from acrylic, styrene and ABS plastic. The one shown in the picture is not finished yet -- I still have to add the inner handrails, 2 outer handrails, and the lower handrails. This is NOT the same launch gantry you may have seen for sale elsewhere -- it is MUCH MORE ACCURATE.

This kit is VERY clean -- very little sanding should be required. There are no tiny holes to fill and such. You will need something to cut the styrene strips that are used as flashing on the edges of the gantry legs, but it is .020 thin plastic -- you can score it and snap if you wish, but if you have a good smooth cutter, it is easier. Comes complete with instructions and everything you see above EXCEPT the wooden base at the bottom (you can get that from A.C. Moore for about five dollars) and it DOES NOT COME WITH A JUPITER-2 MODEL.

If you are good with modeling, you can trim this a bit more and use it to display one of the Trendmaster Jupiter-2 toys as well. The kit just requires a little trimming as the diameter of the Trendmaster toy is smaller than that of the Polar Lights J-2 kit.